“I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.”  John 15:5a.

The theme for NLCC this year is “The Year of the Lord’s Increase.” Perhaps, some may not even bother to take note of it. To others, the reaction may be “so what, just a nice sounding theme wishing us well.” They do not see the power behind God’s word. But to those who receive it with faith and joy, they are entitled to expect blessings from God, for this is promised in the word of God. To such, the reminder of God’s promise brings a renewed desire to please God and delight in God. Why? It is because blessings are to be received by faith. As the bible declares, the “righteous shall live by faith.” By our faith, we see ourselves as right with God, and by our faith we position ourselves to come under the favour of God. 

Why is positioning so important? Our Lord Jesus said that it is to the Father’s glory that we bear much fruit! Much! Our Lord wants us to be successful. He wants us to see increase. He wants to see us fruitful. He wants to see upon His church to the glory of God the Father! As the people of God increasing blessings from God, so there is increasing glory to God.  So may we set our hearts to be where Christ is. That is the place where the Lord’s increase flows from. As our Lord had declared, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

May you enjoy increasing blessings from God in the Year of the Lord’s Increase!